INDIGENOUS students are getting practical experience in land restoration thanks to a university pathway course being held at a Limestone Coast reserve.
The University of South Australia’s Land Management course is giving Aboriginal students the chance to develop knowledge and skills in cultural learning and land management practices.
Barry Tarr, who has taught the Land Management course for three years, said students visit Mount Burr Swamp – a former deep freshwater marsh located 30 minutes from Mount Gambier – to help them learn about Indigenous culture and its connection to the land.
“Students will learn about how country, culture and health are interconnected,” he said.
The 300-hectare site was bought by the non-for-profit group Nature Glenelg Trust and has the potential to restore habitat for six nationally threatened species.
When at the reserve, students complete tasks such as assessing the site, recording descriptions of flora and fauna, identifying environmental damage and developing repair strategies.
The course is part of the university’s Aboriginal Pathway program, which aims to prepare First Nations students for entry to university.
It was included in the Aboriginal Pathway program after consultation with community elders and leaders in the region.
“They saw this as a need for further skill development for Aboriginal people as it opened opportunities to a range of careers in the regions,” Mr Tarr said.
“This can positively influence outcomes for Aboriginal students, particularly when they influence non-Aboriginal educators’ understandings of student experiences.”
Mr Tarr said that those staff and students involved in the project will also have an impact on its future.
“In the long term, (through) involvement with the Aboriginal Pathway program, staff and students will influence future actions during the restoration of the Mt Burr Swamp property,” he said.
“Advances have already been made in involving First Nations representatives in culture and education activities at the site, and the philosophy behind cultural rangers is gaining momentum as are having on-country experiences.”
Nature Glenelg Trust has also been able to work with a student of Boandik descent to create a trail at the site.
“NGT was successful in gaining a grant to fund a Creation Stories Walk project whereby one student was heavily involved in the planning and implementation of creation story carvings, painting of pavers (reflecting values), education and designing the trail, in collaboration with NGT,” Mr Tarr said.
The wider Aboriginal Pathway program gives a range of opportunities to Aboriginal students across five regions in South Australia, including Adelaide, Ceduna, Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln and Whyalla.
